I am facing a dilemma for purchasing and installing window. Which window should I install window xp or window vista. Is it the situation the end of xp and start of vista? I require guidance from any expert who knows the difference between the two types of windows.
Kalimullah

Windows XP is still a very good OS & most ppl still use it & prefer it over Windows Vista. & Windows XP runs very well on most of the low end PC's available in the market today.

Windows Vista is the OS of the future. This is what ppl will increasingly use in the future & it has already replaced a lot of Windows XP pc's. But u have to remember that it is a bit different to use than the earlier editions & will take some getting used too & also it reguires a powerful system Configuration.

So if u have loads of cash to spend & want to use the techonlogy of the future go for Windows Vista. But if budget is limited but u still want a decent machine which will work for atleast a couple of years, go for Windows XP, but make sure that ur PC is upgradable, so in the (very near) future u can use Windows Vista into it & use it.

This is just a basic reply. Anyother doubts plz feel free to ask.

As Vishwas said, you need to make sure your system is up to par prior to purchasing OS software.

For my home systems, I always prefer to wait a year after Microsoft has released its latest OS before purchasing - the exposure and varying environments gives them a chance to tweak it, patch it and perfect the OS so it runs seamlessly. If you're not a techie, I would stick with something that works and that would be XP. If you read up on Vista, you'll hear mixed feelings about it, some like it and others don't.

Recently I had to set Vista up and test it on a machine; my only issue with the software was it was a little too user friendly - too much hand holding. But for some that is not a bad thing, they may honestly appreciate that.

For XP Pro, the requirements are as follows:

PC with 300 megahertz or higher processor clock speed recommended; 233 MHz minimum required (single or dual processor system);* Intel Pentium/Celeron family, or AMD K6/Athlon/Duron family, or compatible processor recommended

128 megabytes (MB) of RAM or higher recommended (64 MB minimum supported; may limit performance and some features)

1.5 gigabytes (GB) of available hard disk space*

Super VGA (800 x 600) or higher-resolution video adapter and monitor

CD-ROM or DVD drive

Keyboard and Microsoft Mouse or compatible pointing device

For Vista, the requirements are as follows:
Home Basic


   * 1 GHz 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor
   * 512 MB of system memory
   * 20 GB hard drive with at least 15 GB of available space
   * Support for DirectX 9 graphics and 32 MB of graphics memory
   * DVD-ROM drive
   * Audio Output
   * Internet access (fees may apply)

Additional Requirements

Actual requirements and product functionality may vary based on your system configuration. Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor can help you determine which features and edition of Windows Vista will run on your computer.

While all editions of Windows Vista can support multiple core CPUs, only Windows Vista Business, Ultimate, and Enterprise can support dual processors.

Home Premium / Business / Ultimate

   * 1 GHz 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor
   * 1 GB of system memory
   * 40 GB hard drive with at least 15 GB of available space
   * Support for DirectX 9 graphics with:
         o WDDM Driver
         o 128 MB of graphics memory (minimum)
         o Pixel Shader 2.0 in hardware
         o 32 bits per pixel
   * DVD-ROM drive
   * Audio Output
   * Internet access (fees may apply)

Additional Requirements

Actual requirements and product functionality may vary based on your system configuration. Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor can help you determine which features and edition of Windows Vista will run on your computer.

While all editions of Windows Vista can support multiple core CPUs, only Windows Vista Business, Ultimate, and Enterprise can support dual processors.
Home Premium / Ultimate

TV tuner card required for TV functionality (compatible remote control optional).
Home Premium / Business / Ultimate

Windows Tablet and Touch Technology requires a Tablet PC or a touch screen.
Ultimate

Windows BitLocker Drive Encryption requires a USB Flash Drive and a system with a TPM 1.2 chip.

I prefer XP over Vista....

Right now XP provides everything (with help of xtra shareware softwares) which Vista does...

And XP is great for low end systems...

I bet for next 4 years.... XP will dominate market.. (Here in India most people stilll use Windows 98 :D )

In India some people use windows 98. Most use xp. vista is catching up. But rightly said I prefer xp as it still more user friendly and practical as all softwares that I need are friendly to it.

RishiRahul